Ernest Ward Hamner (Butch) was born in Navasota, Texas on February 29, 1932 to Sam Richard and Evelyn Hamner.He passed away Monday, January 2, 2017. Butch had one brother, Glenn Hamner, and one sister, Evelyn Hamner Winfree, both deceased. Butch is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, sister, wife, Edna Marie Morgan Hamner, and 3 sons, David Marcus Hamner, Ernest Ward Hamner, Jr., and Sam Morgan Hamner. Butch attended Hempstead Schools where he graduated in 1950.Butch was in the army from 1953-1955, stationed in Buffalo N.Y.Butch worked for the Hamner Trucking Line. In the early 1970s he bought the Western Auto Store in Hempstead and owned it until 1983. From 1983-1999, Butch was the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. Butch is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. Butch was a member of the Hempstead Church of Christ. Visitation: Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Friday, January 6, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Eugene Dewveall officiating. Burial following at Hempstead Cemetery. Pallbearers: Steven Chambers, Ryan Alford, Barry Alford, Brad Alford, Scott Bishop, and Allen Morgan, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers: Victor Gails and Roland Tompkins.In lieu of flowers the family prefers you make donations to Gamma Omega, Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Butch made yearly donations to this organization which his wife, Edna, was a member for many years. The money is then given as scholarships to prospective teachers and has always been greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to Gamma Omega, memo-Scholarship Fun and mail to Linda Pinkerton, P.O. Box 236, Somerville, Texas 77879.

Parker

Larry Dean Parker, 77, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017. He was born December 21, 1939 to Eugene Webster Parker and Nellie Lucille Noojin Parker in Altoona, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his daughter Mary Anna Parker, parents Stanford and Nellie Gregg, and brother Charles Alvin Parker. He is survived by his wife Deborah, daughter Lanell Kay Truxillo, sister Shirley Yousef, and three grandchildren. Graveside services: Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:00 am at Shiloh Cemetery. Arrangements were handled under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.

Bayh

Geneva Marie Bayh, 87, of Hempstead, Texas passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017 at Kruse Village in Brenham after a lengthy illness. Geneva, wife, mother, and dear friend to all was born on October 3, 1929 in Hempstead to Henry and Norma (Eichler) Fowler. A life-member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, where she was baptized, she served with faith and devotion as organist and choir director for 54 years. She served as secretary-treasurer of the St. Bartholomew's Foundation for over 40 years, served for many years on the Altar Guild, and held office as secretary for the Episcopal Church Women. Geneva was valedictorian of her 1947 Hempstead High School graduating class. She graduated from Blinn College in Brenham where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and numerous other organizations. She attended Sam Houston State University and graduated with a BA degree to teach High School English. She is a charter member of the Waller County Texas A & M Mothers Club. She was a member of the Hempstead-Wednesday Study Club for many years. She was also a volunteer worker at the Hempstead Retirement Care Center. Geneva taught school in Santa Fe and Spring Branch in Houston until she and her husband built their retirement home in Hempstead. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Russell I. Bayh, Jr. and three children, Russell I. (Rusty) Bayh III and his wife JoCile, Darwin Bayh and his wife Lisa, and Rebecca Mikolajczak and her husband John. She has four grandchildren: Amanda McKitrick and husband Bob, Reese Bayh, Mason Wellman and wife Lindsey, and Jared Mikolajczak. She has one great-grandson, Russell Cole McKitrick. She is also survived by her sister Helen Louise (Fowler) Carlston and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Visitation was held from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 20th at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Hempstead. Funeral services were held 10:00 am, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church with Father David Ottsen officiating. Burial followed at Hempstead Cemetery under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Pallbearers were Bud Blaha, Clint Blaha, Mills Menke, Cody Chapman, Jared Mikolajczak, Bob McKitrick, Mason Wellman, and Reese Bayh. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Pattison, Woody Kramer, Jon Bayh, Charles Menke, Bryant Mathis, and Anthony Stanley. Geneva was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 811 14th Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445.

Garrett

Marjorie LaNelle Garrett of the Pine Island community near Hempstead was born July 28th, 1931 and entered the presence of our Lord on January 22, 2017 at the age of 85 years. She was the daughter and only child born to Frankie and Lorene Baethe, and grew up in Waller, TX. Lanelle is preceded in death by parents Frankie and Lorene Baethe, husband Clyde Garrett, and grandson, Stephen Clyde Garrett. She was the mother of two sons, Travis Michael (Mike) Garrett (Alma Garrett) and Dr. Stephen Craig Garrett (Terry Garrett), seven grandchildren: Travis Michael II, Brandy Conner Bell, Chris Conner, Stephen Tyler Garrett, Jonathan Garrett, Courtney Lynn Garrett, Katey Marie Garrett, and Gabriela Teresa Garrett Ortega, and fourteen great-grandchildren.LaNelle attended public school in Waller, and in high school was both a cheerleader and a cornetist in the WHS band. Upon graduation in 1949 she earned the honor of valedictorian of her class. She grew up a serious student of the piano, which led her eventually to become pianist for Pine Island Baptist church from the 1950’s until the late 80’s, then moving her membership and piano talents to Monaville Baptist Church where her elder son Mike was and remains pastor, and where Craig now also serves as a deacon. LaNelle and Clyde Garrett of Pine Island married in 1949, and the couple became a musical duo, Clyde as song leader for the congregation and she as pianist. They led the music together there and became accomplished at singing special music duets in harmony. Through the years they served not only at Pine Island Baptist Church, but also at numerous revival meetings throughout the surrounding communities. In addition, one of the long-standing relationships in their service-leading was their association with the Hill Country Cowboy Camp Meeting near Kerrville and Comfort, Texas. This week-long series of inter-denominational Christian meetings is held the 1st Sunday through the 2nd Sunday of August each year, and Clyde & LaNelle led the music there for around 15 years back in the 60’s and 70’s.Career-wise, LaNelle began as a homemaker when the boys were young, but in addition to the usual country tasks like keeping up with the full-time dairy business responsibilities and home canning, she managed for a number of years to have a successful cake baking/decorating business out of their home in Pine Island. She later worked for Guaranty Bond State Bank for a number of years, Lawrence Marshall Dealerships, and Citizens State Bank for close to twenty years.Visitation: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home. Burial following with Pastor Mike Garrett officiating. Pallbearers: Travis M. Garrett II, Jonathan W. Garrett, Stephen T. Garrett, Kyle McCalla, Chris A. Conner, Travis M. Garrett III, Caden D. Bell, Matt Ortega, and Colin W. Bell.

Frances Rebecca Upchurch Richardson, 76, of Bryan, Texas passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017. She was born July 8, 1940 in Iola, Texas. She is survived by her daughters Rebecca Aman and husband Aaron and Edie Speer and her husband Stan, and five grandchildren. Graveside services were held Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Hempstead Cemetery under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.

Malcolm Amos Carter, 90, of Pattison, Texas passed away Monday, February 13, 2017 at his home. He was born April 1, 1926 to Percy Carter and Nellie Khelm Carter in Hempstead, Texas. He was a World War II Army veteran and worked many years for the Waller County Road & Bridge department. Malcolm is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Margaret Lucille Carter. He is survived by his sons Malcolm P. Carter and wife Sheila and Milton W. Carter and wife Virginia, 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Visitation: Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home in Hempstead, Texas. Funeral Service: Friday, February 17, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home. Burial following at Monaville Cemetery with Pastor Mike Garrett officiating.

Binder

second of three sons born to Edwin and Amelia Binder on February 25, 1943. He was born in Bordon, Texas, and spent his formative years in Weimar, Texas where he attended St. Michael’s Elementary School, later graduating from Weimer High School in 1961. After graduation, Bob began a job in Houston, Texas, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. There he served as a traditional reservist until 1969, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Medical Corps. In early ’66 he met Jeanie Katherine Cullen of Houston, and entered holy matrimony in October 1966. In May of 1967 Bob and Jean welcomed their daughter Amy Lyn Binder, followed by their son Robert Bradley Binder in May 1970. Bob went on to work at Fluor Engineering, managing the Graphic Arts department until his departure in 1976, when he opened the doors to his own printing and graphic arts business, Bob Binder Graphics, which is still in operations today. Bob’s passion for his business was evident in the accolades the company received from customers, notably “Vendor of the Year” from the Westin Oaks Galleria Hotel.Bob enjoyed traveling and creating family memories with Jean and the kids, venturing across the country: from New England in the fall, to summers in South Padre Island and the Gulf coast, spring in the Smokey Mountains, and winter in Tahoe, no road marker unaccounted for or historical site unseen. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, and when traveling with, or to see family, he rarely missed an opportunity to get some fishing in, or “drowned some worms” as he’d put it. Whether it was the surf of the Gulf of Mexico or the tank at the beloved family farm, he could usually be found there with a smile on his face and a fishing pole in his hand. One of his favorite retreats was the workshop he built in the backyard, where he spent a lot of his evenings building some kind of wood project. Whether it was a boat, just to see if he could, or personalized keepsake for one of his grandchildren, Bob garnered a great deal of enjoyment from crafting his visions into sensible, detailed items for others to enjoy. Another of Bob’s loves was sports, whether it was Houston’s professional teams, or Brad’s little league teams, Bob was an enthusiast, and adoring fan. He spent several years on the little league fields in Spring Branch passing on his love of the game by coaching Brad and his teammates. But, more than anything Bob took pride in his family. The keeper of the family history, Bob connected generations through the stories he would share with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the numerous photographs he would take along the way. Bob passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Amelia Binder, and his youngest brother Daniel Lee Binder. He is survived by his loving spouse of 50 years, Jeanie Katherine (Cullen) Binder, his oldest brother Edwin Kenneth Binder, daughter Amy Lyn (Binder) Toellner and husband Jeffrey, son Robert Bradley Binder, 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.Visitation: Monday, March 6, 2017 at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm. Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home. Burial following at Fieldstore Cemetery, Waller, Texas.

Villanueva

Theresa Nachtrab Villanueva, 82, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Friday, March 24, 2017. She was born November 23, 1934 to Xavier Nachtrab and Katherine Brendel Nachtrab in Nürnberg, Germany. She is preceded in death by her son Michael Kingsbury and is survived by her husband Jorge Villanueva Sanchez, sons Thomas Kingsbury and David Kingsbury, daughters Sandra Clifton, Katherine Kelly, Karen Oropeza, and Linda Eklof, sister Anneluise Fey, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation: Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home. We Love You Mom

Steinbach

Charles Lee Steinbach, 69, of Hempstead, Texas passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017. He was born July 1, 1947 to Walter Steinbach and Ruth Cook Steinbach in Burton, Texas. Charlie is survived by his longtime companion Andrea Shuck, nephews Wayne Newton and Kevin Husband, cousins Lois Hill and Robert Bolin, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.

Brown

Neola Brown (aka Coonie to her friends and family), passed away at her home in Katy, TX on Sunday, July 2, 2017. She was born February 14, 1942 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to John Douglas and Ina Dulton Douglas. She is survived by her son David Brown, daughter Linda Holland Martin and husband Keith, brothers George Douglas and wife Pat, Leo Douglas and wife Ernestine, John Douglas and wife Gwen, sister Delores McMahon and husband Melvin; grandchildren Leila, Stella, Virginia, and Jeremy; and 5 great grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her husband of 30 years, George David Brown. Visitation: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 5:00pm - 8:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Graveside Services: Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 10:00 am at Hempstead Cemetery with Pastor Danny Wendt officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home.

Lilli Belle McPherson Vines was born on October 1, 1921 and passed away on July 5, 2017 at the age of 95. Lilli Belle was born in Comanche County, Texas to Basil and Lilli McPherson and spent her childhood on a farm tending to animals and picking vegetables to sell to the cannery. She married Weldon Vines, also of Comanche County, on July 27, 1940. They were married 66 years when he passed away on February 12, 2007. Lilli Belle is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Kay Vines Meadows and husband Jim of Houston, Texas; DeAnna Vines Lake and husband Ferrell of Montgomery, Texas; and Vicki Josey and husband Bobby of Kingwood, Texas. She was known as Grandmother to her six grandchildren: Clay Meadows and wife Nora of Fredericksburg, Texas; Forrest Meadows and wife Melissa of Fredericksburg, Texas; Carl Meadows and wife Emery of San Francisco, California; Jennifer Butler and husband Todd of Louisville, Kentucky; Nicole Riley and husband Brad of Magnolia, Texas and Taryn Josey of Kingwood, Texas. Lilli Belle was also loved by her seven great grandchildren: Tony Feil, Justin Feil and wife Haylee, Jacob Butler, Madison Fitzgerald, Kyle Fitzgerald, Bradley Fitzgerald, and Isabel Meadows and two great-great grandchildren Riley Feil and Jake Henry Fitzgerald. She is also survived by one brother, Ron McPherson and wife Janie of Dallas, Texas. Lilli Belle was a devoted wife and mother. After raising her family, she used her sewing talents making baby clothes in Brenham and later at the Waller County Library, allowing her to exercise her love of reading. She loved spending time with her family, cooking, sewing, and fishing with Weldon. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Burial followed at Hempstead Cemetery with Pastor Gene Dewveall officiating.

Vines

Foster

Rodney Lee Foster, 41, of Irving, Texas passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017. He was born March 5, 1976 to Lewis Hamilton Foster and Barbara Lou Mitchell Foster in Houston, Texas. Rodney is preceded in death by his father Lewis Foster and is survived by his mother Barbara Foster, wife Rachael Foster, brothers John Hamilton Foster and Jon Russell Mitchell, sisters Sheila Villarreal and husband Raul, Susan Repka and husband Jon, and Sally Peters and husband Mike, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service: Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:00 am at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead with Pastor John Travis Smith officiating. Visitation occurring from 8:00 am until service time on Saturday. Burial following at Hempstead Cemetery

Rehms

Ethel "Lee" Rehms (94) went to be with the Lord Jesus on October 11, 2017 in Spring, Texas. She was born March 17, 1923 in Hempstead, Texas to Benjamin R. and Antonio “Tony” Rehms. She was the 5th of 7 children and the last to join her family in heaven. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Benjamin and Tony Rehms; brothers Benjamin C. “Dutch” and Lester “Mutt”; and sisters Lucille Solomon, Bernice Ford, Dorothy “Dottie” Teague, and Dixie Rehms. She is survived by nieces Barbara Wilcox, Mildred Sue Bland, Judy Rogers, DebbieLee Teague; and nephews Royal and David Solomon, along with many great nieces and nephews. She graduated from Hempstead High School and went on to graduate from Texas State University in 1944. Upon graduation she taught school and PE in Austin until retirement in 1986. She was an Austin, Texas “Teacher of the Year” as well as an amazing tournament ASA fast pitch softball 2nd baseman and base stealer for which she was recognized. She also coached in Austin’s Parks and Recreation Dept every summer prior to moving to Angleton/Lake Jackson, Texas upon retirement. She lovingly and faithfully cared for all her siblings, family, friends, and her students. She always had an immaculate yard and garden; and rescued many abandoned dogs and cats. She could discuss any sport (collegiate and professional) players, coaches, etc with you. She was extremely active until she moved into an assisted living facility at age 92. She even mowed her big yard 2 days prior to moving! She was known for being a great listener and having unconditional love. She had a special way of making you feel like you could do anything and that she had faith and confidence in you. Her Celebration of Life will be a graveside service on Monday, October 16, 2017, at 11:00 am at the Hempstead Cemetery in Hempstead, Texas under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to dementia and Alzheimer’s research.

Jackson

Judge June Jackson, age 65, passed away November 2, 2017, after a long and courageous life with cancer. She died at home in Hempstead, Texas, in the presence of loving friends and family. Judge Jackson was born in Hempstead in 1952 to William and Dorothy Jackson. She became a third generation lawyer in 1979 after completing her legal studies at South Texas College of Law Houston and was elected Judge of the Waller County Court at Law in 1990. She served the people of Waller County as Judge for over 26 years, applying her wisdom, patience, and kind heart to improve the lives of families in this community. June cherished the handwritten notes she often received from people whose lives she touched, and she felt blessed to help so many families and children through some of their most difficult times. June was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, where she served as Director of the Kate Urban Children’s Trust, head of the Episcopal Church Women’s organization, and a senior member of the Church’s vestry. Throughout her life she was deeply engaged with her community, serving through CASA, Lion’s Club, Little League, and many other programs. She was there anytime a friend asked her to help. But June’s most personal pursuit – after family – was her joy and delight in nature. She felt closest to God when amongst the wonderful gifts God granted the earth, which she engaged through her special passion for bird watching and nature photography. June traveled the world to pursue and share this passion with others and also promoted conservation efforts at home in Waller County. June is survived by her adoring children Elizabeth Eakin and husband Mark Bankston, Jennifer Cosio and husband Roger Cosio, and Dr. John Eakin; her beloved granddaughter and playmate, Autumn; and her darling grandsons Andrew, Ben, and Isaac. She leaves to mourn her husband of 43 years, Larkin C. Eakin, Jr., her sister Jackie Romine, her cousin Debby Day, and her sister-in-law Judy Broadus, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and those who called her “Momma June.” All who knew her will grieve the loss of her loving spirit, playful humor, and selfless generosity. She was preceded in death by her father William F. Jackson, Sr., mother Dorothy Dell (Milam) Jackson, and brother William F. “Bill” Jackson, Jr. The family is grateful for the love this community showed June. They invite all who cared for her to join them for a memorial service honoring June’s life on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Reverend Robert Merrill will begin services at 11:00 a.m. with fellowship to follow in the Church’s parish hall, where the community is invited to share memories and celebrate June’s life. Arrangements were handled by McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.In lieu of flowers, please honor June’s memory with a contribution to The Katy Prairie Conservancy, c/o June Jackson Memorial, at 5615 Kirby Dr. Ste. 867, Houston, Texas 77005 or katyprairie.org.

Rodriguez

Benjamin “Benny” Rodriguez, 73, of Hempstead, Texas passed away October 14, 2017 in Cypress, Texas. He was born May 18, 1944 in Cayey, Puerto Rico to Casimiro and Maria Rodriguez. Benny is preceded in death by his father and is survived by his wife Barbara Haffelfinger Rodriguez; mother, Maria Acosta, sons: Ronald Benjamin Rodriguez and Benjamin Jesse Rodriguez and wife Evette; daughters: Cynthia Karen Rodriguez and husband Ron, San Juanita Rodriguez and husband Daniel, and Dana Haffelfinger-Hill and husband Jeffery. Benny is also survived by two brothers: David Acosta and wife Elizabeth, and Orlando Rodriguez. Visitation: Friday, October 20, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home. Funeral services: 10:00 am Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Lighthouse Word Church with Pastor Brad Qualls officiating. Burial: Fieldstore Cemetery, Waller, Texas under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead, Texas.

Annie J. DiIorio Lecamu, 96, was born March 23, 1921, in Hempstead, Texas to Nick and Clara DiIorio. She departed this earth to the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday, December 29, 2017. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Luzin J. Lecau, Sr., brothers John, James, and Billy, and sister Mary King. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Yarbrough, sister in-law Angeline DiIorio, son L.J. Lecamu, Jr. and wife Kay, daughters Linda Riemer and husband Lewis, and Clara Timmerman and husband Roger, Sr. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Gary LeCamu, Peggy Sanders, Annette Croft, and Roger Timmerman, Jr.; great-grandchildren Steven LeCamu, Kyle, Taylor, and Haley Croft, Brylee Sanders, Luke Timmerman, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her special companion and pet, Tiger. She was lovingly cared for by Fannie Vasquez, Andrea Gallegos, and Ana E. Benites. End of life care was provided by two special nurses, Amy and Christina. Throughout her life she was actively involved in the Hempstead Garden Club, St. Mary’s and St. Katharine Drexel Altar Society, and the Hempstead PTA when her children were in school. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. Visitation: Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, Hempstead. Burial following at Hempstead Cemetery.